When autumn leaves were falling
O’er valley, hill, and plain,
A childish group had gathered
In a quiet country lane.
As they shook the hedge-row branches
Ripe nuts fell at their feet,
And, from the neighboring mountains,
Their laughter echoed sweet.
Ere long they reached the entrance
Of a large and shady wood,
Where, clothed in gold and crimson,
The elms and beeches stood.
“Come down this mossy pathway,”
The elder children cried,
“For there are nuts in plenty
Within the forest wide.”
But one among the number,
A little fair-haired child,
Drew back, nor dared to follow
Her playmates gay and wild.
She said, “Now I must leave you,
For ere I quitted home,
My mother dear forbade me
Within the wood to roam.”
“O, Lucy,” cried the others,
“Indeed you must not go,
Your mother cannot see you,
And she will never know.”
To this deceitful counsel,
The child could not agree;
She pointed up to heaven,
And whispered, “God can see.”
She left her wandering playmates,
Nor cast a look behind.
Dear children, let her conduct
Be ever borne in mind.
Jehovah never slumbers;
So, wherever you may be,
In the light, or in the darkness,
Remember,“Ged can see.”
ML 03/08/1942